Lectionary for Pentecost 6

Lectionary for Pentecost 6

God’s grace is sufficient for us; God’s power is made perfect in weakness. If we boast, let us boast in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:9; 10:17

Reading. 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10. As we consider this passage for today we might wonder at the significance of David becoming king over all Israel. The history between the 10 tribes in the north, usually named Israel and the two tribes in the south usually named Judah was often turbulent. This union marks a significant shift for now one king is ruler over all 12 tribes of God’s people. It is telling that David had such leadership and charisma to draw the tribes together. The passage then recounts that David conquered Jerusalem and made it his stronghold and the place where he built the kingdoms palace and subsequently the Temple of Solomon was built. Jerusalem was considered to be impregnable. Hence to capture Jerusalem was a feat that displayed both military might and also military wisdom. Now in just a few sentences the writer has recorded these two important national events. However there is another layer of this story that we have to consider which is predicated with the question, “Do we believe that the God of Israel can shape history not only for today but also into the future?” If we answer yes to that question then this passage takes on even deeper significance. Anointing David to the throne, God is putting in place the ruler who will bring Israel to the height of its powers and so demonstrating to the people how good it is to be under the rule of God; and what levels of prosperity and influence could be achieved. After David the kingdom of Israel would never again achieve the power and prestige among the regions nations. In the same way by making Jerusalem the nation’s capital and the site of the temple, God is preparing the way for the future that He is shaping. Jewish and Christian tradition has always understood that Jerusalem is the site of the ancient city of Salem where Melchizedek was both king and priest. (Genesis 14:18) Jerusalem will mark the site of Messiah’s return and this returning king will be none other than the Lord Jesus Christ who according to Hebrews will be “a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” Hebrews 7:14ff) Long ago David’s conquering and establishment of Jerusalem as the temple site prepared the way for the plan of God to unfold.

Prayer. Almighty God, you are the one who loves us with an everlasting love. Pour down your blessing on our lives again today. Give us the health and strength that we need to journey on to accomplish those tasks that lie before us. Forgive us when we have doubted in your constant love. Help us see your work in our lives with new eyes. We praise you that though we often doubt, you continue to love us, for your faithfulness endures forever. Hold us in your mercy until that time when we see the truth about your relationship with us. You are a great and a glorious God. We praise your name again today. Amen

Reading. Mark 6:1-13. Although Mark emphasises that Jesus was hugely popular in Galilee, in this passage he recounts the strong opposition that Jesus met in his own home town and among people who would have been his kin. In verse 3 we see that his neighbours took “offense” at him. It is a verb which suggests that they stumbled over him and kept on stumbling and therefore never understood his message or who he was. Their knowledge of him had prevented them for seeing Jesus in His true light. To acknowledge his wisdom and powers would have made Jesus their teacher and so would have forced them to re think their own faith position. Many of the prophets of old faced the strongest opposition from the people closest to them.

Today we live in a world where friendship with Jesus is often paramount. This is not necessarily a bad thing as long as it does not prevent us from seeing that Jesus is also Lord and King and as such stands as ruler over us. Immediately following this passage Mark goes on to record the sending out of the Twelve two by two. We should not miss that Jesus gave them authority to cast out demons and to heal, as well as call people to repentance. These disciples were for the most part simple fishermen with few inherent gifts of their own to call for forgiveness: It was the authority given to them which brought success to the task set for them. This authority would have had no significance unless they firstly had complete confidence in the power and authority of the one sending them out. Mark’s Gospel reminds us that being and doing are twin elements of the Christian walk and this all flows from comprehending who Jesus is and what Jesus has come to achieve.    For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. “As it is said,

 “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:14f. NRSV

Prayer. Lord Jesus, before you all powers and dominion will be subdued; all thrones and kingdoms will give due honour. All powerful as you are, yet gracious Lord it is you who has reached down and drawn us to yourself. We thank you that through your love and care we are grafted into the family of God and by your gracious sacrifice we are transformed into the children God and inheritors of all the promises that God has made. Keep us ever in the faith and by your Spirit’s power guide us to walk always in obedience to you. As we love and serve you, may we love and serve those around us, ever mindful of your patience and understanding. To you belongs all thanks and praise and so in reverence and awe we offer our prayers of thanksgiving. Amen

Collect. Remove, O Father, the veil from our eyes, and grant us the light of the Spirit; that we may learn to recognise your glory in the humiliation of your Son, and experience in the weakness of our own human nature the surpassing power of his resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or

Jesus, friend and Lord, we limit you by our notions; help us to go wherever your Spirit leads, knowing that your power alone keeps us on the road of faith now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 5

Lectionary for Pentecost 5

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that by his poverty we might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Reading. 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 The news of Saul’s death would, in human terms, have been a huge relief to David. He and his followers had been forced to fight on behalf of the Philistines due to King Saul’s hostility. However this passage records the deep compassion David had both for Saul and his close friend Jonathan. Saul had been anointed by Samuel to be the King and leader of God’s people and so David showed great respect for Saul and his anointing. David had always acted honourably towards Saul and had refused to act aggressively towards him: now at his death David recounts the good things Saul had achieved during his reign. This was coupled with his great love for his friend Jonathan and so his grief was not a pretence, but keenly felt. Saul had accomplished many good things until his personal weaknesses had turned him away from trusting in God. The words of William Shakespeare come to mind, “The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones”. It is easy to dwell on the failures; David holds no grudges but rather mourns the national loss and remembers the good things that Saul and Jonathan had achieved. Rather than dwelling on the latter years when Saul no longer looked to God for guidance it was Saul’s initial effective leadership that is recalled. In so doing David demonstrated his own integrity and his ability to see the wider picture. Many in the nation would have mourned Saul and Jonathan and so showing good leadership David responded to those feelings in an admirable way. The lament that David wrote is well crafted and expresses the emotions that not only David but many people in Israel would have experienced. A good leader is able to pick up the mood of the people along with the leaders own personal feelings and so offer leadership which is best for all.

Prayer. Lord it is so easy to remember the failures and the disappointment we have encountered in daily living: Help us to place our trust in you, listen for your guidance, and be ready to follow along those paths that you would have us walk. When we go astray, Lord call us back, and so keep our feet on solid ground. Grow in us the will to serve you alone, the strength to live a life of truth, a humble life that recognises your right to rule and our obligation to serve. As you have been gracious to us, so may we be gracious to one another. May we be worthy of the name, Christian. May our whole life be lived under your direction, until we meet the destination you have prepared for us and may all we do give honour and glory to you. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. Mark 5:21-43. As is common in Mark’s Gospel this passage is filled with activity and at the centre of the activity is Jesus himself. To begin with Jesus has just arrived from across the lake when he is accosted by Jairus the synagogue leader with the plea to go with him to lay hands on his dying daughter. As he accompanies Jairus he is touched by a woman in desperate need of healing so she could rejoin society as a well person. Then the message comes that the healing had become an encounter with death. In three short paragraphs Mark reveals Jesus’ willingness to heal; his power to heal and his authority to minister to a person whose condition places her outside society. Not only was the woman unwell, she was also unclean according to the religious restrictions of the time. In every situation that Mark describes Jesus is always in control. Mark’s record of Jesus healing the woman who simply touched his cloak tells that the healing occurred not by magic but through the power that was in Jesus. The statement that “power had gone out of him” is telling for it reminds us that the healing comes through Jesus: Healing is contained within Him. The healing brings her wholeness and also restores her to her society and her circle of family and friends. Even before Jesus has finished ministering to the woman, the message comes that Jairus’ daughter has died. Jesus responds directly to the situation by assuring Jairus not to be afraid but to keep on believing. It is interesting that though Mark’s Gospel is very succinct, still he records that people laughed at Jesus. We laugh when confronted with the uncomfortable aspects of life. Mark is reminding us that this event is at the cutting edge of life, death and loss are so final. Jesus calls the small child back into life, demonstrating his mastery over death. Only the inner circle of those involved see life return to the child yet for Mark’s readers the message is clear; Jesus had authority both to heal and to bring life. In both stories, no matter how extreme the circumstances, the key message is to keep on believing.

Out of the depths I cry to you: Lord, hear my voice! With the Lord is love unfailing, and great power to redeem.   Psalm 130:1, 7

Prayer. Gracious Lord the story in Mark’s Gospel reminds us that all of life is subject to the command of Jesus Christ and in Him alone can we find the healing and wholeness that brings us security and peace. We rejoice that we live under the Lordship of Jesus. Help us we pray, to trust in Him for each of life’s episodes; not seeking to guide but to follow; to trust in Him enough that one step of the journey is all that we need.  Isaiah reminds us that “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places”. This is the fruit of walking in obedience; so Lord may we choose the path that you have set before us, and trusting in you, enjoy the peace and blessing that is your gracious gift. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Collect. Almighty God, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge: open our eyes to your presence, and make us more responsive to your call, that we may grow in the wisdom and grace you offer us in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or

Jesus, hope of the hopeless, give us abundant confidence in you that we may find comfort at all times, relief from our burdens, and healing where it is your will; until that day when we see you face to face, and know you as you are for ever and ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 4

Lectionary for Pentecost 4

At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you: See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!  2 Corinthians 6:2

Reading. 1 Samuel 17:57 to 18:5, 10-16. Last week we read that Samuel had anointed David as king because Saul had lost favour with God. In our reading today we see that David’s position as the chosen leader is being strengthened. David is portrayed as the man who relies on God. This reliance was forged as he watched over the sheep for his father Jesse. Following the battle with Goliath David is introduced formally by Abner to King Saul. Abner was Saul’s cousin and was Commander in Chief of Saul’s army. As such he was a powerful man and so David is introduced to Saul as a young warrior not as a king in waiting. However the bible narrative quickly shows that Saul has lost God’s presence from his life and so has lost his godly authority. Saul is now afflicted by an evil spirit which makes him unstable and so unable to rule as God requires. Furthermore the story emphasises that Saul’s house is divided for Jonathan and David immediately discover a kindred affection for each other and join in a covenant that will last until Jonathan is killed by the Philistines some years later. The passage describes the growing divide between Saul and David. Saul is no longer relying on God to lead, whereas David is both relying on God and gaining in popular support.

Despite the fact that Israel now has a king to lead them the passage reminds the reader that it is still God who is totally in charge and any deviation from his desired plan will end in failure.

Prayer. To you O Lord we offer our prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Before you all things will bow, for you are the one who rules in majesty and power. With great humility we come before you recognising that only in Jesus can we approach your throne and only through Him can we presume to give you thanks and praise. Because of Jesus we know you to be a merciful God and your loving kindness extends to all who put their trust in Him alone. By your sovereign grace keep us in the faith and so equip us that in every way trough speech or deed we may give to you glory and honour. Amen

Reading. Mark 4:35-41. Jesus’ stilling of the storm is a nature miracle which is recorded in each of the synoptic Gospels. Thus we assume that it is an important incident in the ministry of Jesus. Despite being so well attested to in scripture this miracle was for the disciples’ eyes only.  Though other boats are “around” and so would have witnessed the calm after the storm, Mark describes only what is happening in the disciples’ boat. The fear of the disciples and the way Mark describes the wind strongly suggests that the wind is a demonic attack, focussed on Jesus and the disciples alone. Most of the disciples were fishermen and as such would have been used to the storms that erupted in the shallow waters of the Sea of Galilee. The fear that they display is not fear of the storm as such, but fear of what is driving the storm. Jesus rebukes the wind which is a descriptive term used often in exorcisms. Having stilled the storm, Jesus then addresses the disciples and encourages them to rely on their faith. In the presence of Jesus their faith should have sustained them. Jesus is reminding them what authority he has, rather than complaining to Him on the one hand, or be afraid of the demonic storm on the other, he calls them to trust. The point of the story ‘is not simply that Jesus could still the storm, but rather that the disciples should have trusted His power to help them’. As Mark ends his description he records that their fear of who Jesus is, is now greater than was their fear of the demonic storm. Jesus is the Lord of Creation and so everything is under his command. In order to face the fury of a hostile world this lesson will need to be remembered for there will come a time when Jesus will no longer be present with them and all they will have is their faith. However through the great authority of Jesus, their faith will be able to sustain them. The disciples, like all disciples have to learn to trust Jesus in all circumstances.

Prayer. Lord Jesus, you are the Lord of all creation and you bring peace and calm in every storm of life. Quieten our hearts when they are distressed and remind us again and again that you are always close at hand both to encourage and to direct. Help us to be attentive to your call upon us, that we may learn to trust you in every situation. May we be filled with that peace that passes all understanding and so be able to live a life with a tranquil heart and mind, resting on your strength and grace. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. O God our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear, and preserve us all from unbelief; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. Amen.

or

Maker and Sustainer of creation, you bring order out of chaos and calm in the discord of our lives; help us to trust in you, even when all around seems to be giving way; this we ask in our Saviour’s name. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 3

Lectionary for Pentecost 3

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: the old order has gone; a new order has already begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Reading. 1 Samuel 15:34 to 16:13. The rejection of Saul as king presented Samuel with a significant problem, not least for his own safety. Firm in the belief that the Lord was the one who guided history Samuel did as the Lord required. Saul had been chosen because he was a capable and charismatic person. He was also a tall and handsome man and so was a popular choice among the people. However as the story unfolds there is a strong suggestion that despite being chosen, Saul’s heart is no longer for the Lord. After David’s anointing Samuel never saw Saul again in this life. It was Samuel’s absence that further frustrated Saul for without Samuel he had no clear direction from God.

Thus as Samuel looks for a new king among the sons of Jessie it is the set of David’s heart that makes the difference. David was the youngest and perhaps the smallest. He is certainly the least experienced. The one whose task it is to be watching over the sheep is low in the pecking order! Despite that, David had developed a reliance on God which won God’s approval. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. (1 Samuel 16:12–13). NRSV.

As we look back over the kingship of both Saul and David, we see that both began well and provided good leadership for the people. Similarly, both made serious mistakes at the very time they were at the height of their powers. In the story one was rejected while the other was forgiven and accepted. Saul’s heart was no longer obedient to God. On the other hand David recognised his mistakes and looked back to God for forgiveness and acceptance. His cry was     “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me”. (Psalm 51:10–11). Despite his mistakes and failures David was prepared to recognise his failures and look only to God for restoration. Though David began as the youngest and one of least value in his family yet through his relationship with God he achieved great things and biblically is remembered as the greatest earthly king to have reigned over God’s People.

Prayer. Your word O Lord reminds us that only a heart that is true to you is acceptable in your sight. Help each of us dear Lord to always keep our hearts fixed on you. Help us to look to you for the forgiveness that sets us free from past mistakes and strengthen us to live out our lives relying on you alone. May Jesus be the Light that illuminates our way and in all we do give praise to you. This we ask through Jesus Christ, the only Saviour. Amen

Reading. Mark 4:26-34. One of the keys to Mark’s Gospel is his announcement of the Kingdom coming through the person of Jesus. At the commencement of his ministry Mark notes that Jesus proclaims, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”(Mark 1:15). For Mark, Jesus is the man of action; he is the catalyst that causes things to happen. Throughout the whole gospel people and events follow one another in rapid succession.

In the two parables in the reading for today we see that the kingdom is growing even though no one really understands. The “seed” grows but we, “do not know how”. In the second parable the kingdom may have an unknown, even a small beginning, yet it is destined to be the greatest haven which will offer ongoing protection. Though they are quite short both parables are filled with action and energy. Through these parables Mark reminds his readers that the Kingdom will achieve its destiny whether we understand or not. Mark is saying that the vitality is already within the creation and in the end the “seed” will produce a harvest: Then at the end of the passage Mark reminds his readers that this potential to produce a harvest is understood through the teaching of Jesus. While Jesus speaks in memorable parables the essence and the truth of the Kingdom is explained privately to his disciples. Vast though it maybe, only through Jesus does one obtain access to the Kingdom.

And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; in order that    ‘they may indeed look, but not perceive,    and may indeed listen, but not understand;     so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.’ ” (Mark 4:11–12). NRSV

Prayer. Lord Jesus, everything made was made through you. The reality of everything we see and touch and taste is by your design: so as your creatures we give you humble thanks and praise for your creative power. You sustain life in all its forms and bring us at last with you into the kingdom to praise and honour the Lord God Almighty. What blessing is ours through your presence in our lives: In you we find the fulfilment that gives us security and peace; so we lift our hands and our hearts and give glory to your Name; the Name that is above all other names. Amen

Collect. Father, with a generous hand you have sown in our hearts the seed of truth and grace. May we welcome it with humble confidence and cultivate it with gospel patience, knowing well that justice and peace will increase in the world as your word bears fruit in our lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jesus, weaver of story, sower of seed; show us the new creation in small beginnings, and teach us to look for the coming of that perfect day, when all things shall be reconciled in you, the bringer of God’s realm of grace now and for ever. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost 2

Lectionary for Pentecost 2

It is the God who said: ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.    2 Corinthians 4:6

Reading. 1 Samuel 8:4-11, 16-20 Common in both the old and the new testaments is the theme, “be holy for I am holy”. It may not always be expressed quite like that but the principle is that God’s people will not be like other people; they will be obedient to the Lord and allow Him to determine their way. With that in mind this passage from 1 Samuel is revealed for what it is, a desire to be like other nations and push God away. As God says to Samuel, ‘the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them’. 1 Samuel 8:7. NRSV

Though reluctant, Samuel obediently warned the people that having an earthly king over them would be far more costly than the Lord’s rule. Despite the warning the people were determined to go their own way and have an earthly king. It is true that Samuel’s sons did not offer the leadership which gave the people true justice but in their heart the people desired to be free from God’s influence. In other words they preferred to go their own way. That temptation is still as potent today as it was in the days of Samuel. The Christian principle under which we live is that “we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7. NRSV.   Despite that, our natural inclination is to have control of our lives. Trusting God to lead us and guide us in all the decisions we make is not easy but it is the way to have peace and fulfilment in life. Our situation is very different from the one which confronted Samuel but the question still reminds the same; who will be king in our lives?

Prayer. Holy Lord, how easy it is to follow along with the ways of the world and set aside your call upon us. Forgive us for choosing often to go our own way, desiring to have the things that we can see rather than looking to you to provide us with the things that are eternal. Refresh our vision and soften our hearts that we may long for the ways of truth and peace, and also that we would strive with you for justice both now and in the future. Help us to be disciplined in daily living and rejoicing in your providential care may our lives reflect the goodness and grace that comes through you. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading. Mark 3:20-35. Reading through the Gospel of Mark the dominant theme is; “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (Mark 1:15) Here in this passage for today we see the struggle as Jesus confronts the rule of Satan. That Jesus is able to cast out demons and heal the sick is on the one hand a sign of the authority of God that Jesus reveals. On the other hand it reveals that through that authority Jesus is able to overpower the authority that Satan has in the world. In that confrontation human divisions emerge even in Jesus own family. This reminds us that Jesus did say that his teaching would divide people. (Matthew 10:34 & Luke 12:49ff)

Mark is reminding us that in Galilee Jesus enjoyed high popularity: his teaching and healing drew crowds of people to him; yet not everyone was moved by his message. Certainly the scribes and the Pharisees who were leaders in the community seem to have opposed his teaching and devalued his healings. It was because of this division that his family wanted to withdraw him to the seclusion of his family home. However, Jesus as he revealed that God’s kingdom was now present had to face the opposition. Mark is helping us to see that it is the message of the Kingdom that divides the community, even causing a separation within Jesus’ own family. In Mark’s account, Jesus makes clear it is those who do the will of God who stand with Jesus. What that really means is not fully explained. As the whole passage in predicated on discerning Satan’s authority over against the authority of God then the knowledge is only available through revelation. That the presence of the Kingdom is not clear to all is what causes the division and indeed perpetuates the division. Thankfully for the family of Jesus, the New Testament tells us that at the end of his ministry, his mother and at least some of his brothers stood with Jesus and his message. Thus this passage gives us pause to think about how we respond to the message of the kingdom and our obedience to live under God’s kingship.

Prayer. Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for the message of the Kingdom which has opened a door for us to find security and peace under the protective care of the One True God, the Great Creator. Through His redeeming power our lives find an eternal significance. Lord God Almighty, What can we do but praise your name as we come to fully realise the gift that is ours through your forgiveness. You alone are holy and only you can forgive us and bring us to a new start in life. And so with thankful hands and hearts we reach out to you and ask that you will fill us with joy again as we acknowledge your forgiveness so freely given. Help us not to presume upon your gracious love but to recognise how costly that forgiving grace is which covers us who are in Jesus Christ. We stand before you only through his merit and so we praise your name not in our own strength but through the power of him who loved us and gave his life for us. May we continue to delight you Lord as we live out the forgiveness we have received. We pray in Jesus name our Lord and Saviour. Amen

Collect. Let us pray (that we may commit ourselves in faith to God’s purposes for us): Almighty and everliving God, increase in us your gift of faith: that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to that which is before us, we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God of almighty love, your Son was angered by the hardness of human hearts; give us the compassion we need, that your power may be known in works of kindness and justice; in the name of Christ. Amen.

Lectionary for Trinity

Lectionary for Trinity Sunday

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of God’s glory.  Isaiah 6:3

Reading. Isaiah 6:1-8. Isaiah was a prophet who was linked to the temple in Jerusalem. His prophetic ministry began as our reading suggests in the year that king Uzziah died. Isaiah was well connected for he had family links to the kings of Judah at that time. His ministry encompassed 4 kings’ reigns ending with King Manasseh who was so displeased with Isaiah’s pronouncements that he encased him in a tree trunk and had him sawn “asunder”, according to tradition. (Hebrews 11:37 is thought to be a reference to that callus act)

For Isaiah on the day which the reading recalls, it was the glory and the majesty of God that transfixed him. Note the phrase in the first verse, “the hem of his robe filled the temple”. The temple was a huge building; some think it was 20 stories high at its highest point. It was an ever present reminder that God was among them. The temple did not contain God but reminded the people of God’s presence always with them. Maybe for the first time Isaiah grasped how incomprehensible was the presence of God. Isaiah’s vision of God is awe inspiring and it was this revelation that sustained Isaiah’s difficult prophetic ministry. As a result of that revelation Isaiah’s response is to recognise his own failure and unrighteousness: In the presence of absolute holiness all the flaws and inadequacies are revealed: yet at the same time Isaiah’s remembrance also shows that God provides a remedy that allows Isaiah to serve. The call to go and serve comes after the cleansing that is provided. Isaiah was called to serve God; whose power and influence was able to shape world events. His prophetic ministry would not be easy for during his whole life time the kingdom of Judah was under threat from hostile super powers. Despite the dire straits in which the nation found itself Isaiah’s long term prophecy was that God would install a righteous king for the nation, who would bring them peace and prosperity.

Prayer. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

Lord, great beyond even our imagining, Merciful, much more than we deserve; we are so often caught up in our own needs and wants that we forget the greater needs of those around us. Even more Lord God we forget that your powerful presence is ever near. Help us to draw close to you in faith and love and find new hope and purpose for each new day. Strengthen our hearts and inform our minds so that the gifts that you give can be used for your faultless plans and purposes, not for our comfort. Help us to use our opportunities to love and serve those in need, even as in Jesus Christ you loved and served us in perfect sacrifice. As your people let us praise and honour you today and always. Amen

Reading. John 3:1-17 As we celebrate Trinity Sunday this week we remind ourselves that though the bible has no direct mention of God as Trinity, yet there are many bible passages and concepts that reinforce three realities of God. Even as I write that sentence I am reminded of an Indian Lecturer in theological college who before one exam regarding the Trinity waggled his finger and advised, “Do not write too much… as most of it will be heretical!” reminding us humorously of how difficult it is to explain the Trinity. Despite the trepidation, this passage does highlight the threefold action of God which opens the way into the Kingdom. To begin with, God as Father sent his Son to be the Redeemer of the world. First and foremost was the redemption of the world, which also included the salvation that humanity needed. Secondly there was the work of God’s Holy Spirit who in creation brought order out of chaos, and gave life to humanity. It is the Holy Spirit who now Jesus describes as bringing the renewed life of God that transforms fallen humanity into a being fitted for the kingdom. Central to that godly action is the action of Jesus to give himself as the sacrifice that proves to be the antidote to the deadly consequences of sin. Thus it is the one God, in an amazing interwoven set of relationships who is at work bringing back the whole of creation from the chaos that has emerged through human disobedience. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22–23. NRSV

On Trinity Sunday we can struggle with the concept or we can simply be thankful that the God we worship is big enough and powerful enough to gather the whole of creation back to Himself. Once that is finally accomplished then the creation and all that is in it will be at peace and enjoy the obedient harmony that has always been God’s intention.

Prayer. O Lord Jesus Christ, who walked the way of the cross as the obedient servant of God, open our ears we humbly ask and teach us by your Spirit, that we may not rebel but walk in the obedience of true disciples who have learnt from you. Grant that our faith may not be shaken by adversity or daunted by the threat of failure but may we follow with steadfastness along the way that leads to perfect fellowship with him and so with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen [C.M. Jacobs; 1875]

Collect. Father, we praise you: through your Word and Holy Spirit you created all things. You reveal your salvation in all the world by sending to us Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Through your Holy Spirit you give us a share in your life and love. Fill us with the vision of your glory, that we may always serve and praise you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eternal God, we see your face in Jesus Christ, and your Breath blows among us and all around. May your everlasting arms enfold us as we are brought to birth, and filled with the Spirit of life; in the name of Jesus, the Word made flesh. Amen.

Lectionary for Pentecost

Lectionary readings for Pentecost

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful people; and kindle in us the fire of your love.

Reading. Ezekiel 37:1-14 Ezekiel prophesied in Jerusalem as the nation of Judah was being threatened by the Babylonians. By now the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom had been dispersed and taken into captivity. This kingdom was now gone forever as a discreet nation: Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained, and for them the threat if invasion was ever present. In such a dire political situation it is probable that a popular conversational topic in Israel was, we are now isolated and our hope has gone. “Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely”. Ezekiel 37:11. In that hopeless situation Ezekiel is given a vision of a area of land scattered about with dry bones. Nebuchadnezzar had waged a dreadful war against the Northern Kingdom and so dead bodies would not have been unusual. In his vision Ezekiel sees the dried bones as a reminder of the coming fate of Israel. The scene then changes and as the wind blows over the bones they gather together and take on flesh and live. What had been dried up and dead is now a standing army. Then God poses the question, “Can what is dead live again?” The stirring prophecy would have brought an exciting prospect of renewed hope, a hope that springs from the knowledge that God had not forsaken his people but still had the promise of national restoration. The renewal was to be physical being fulfilled in their own land. The end result was to be renewal but at the heart of the prophetic vision was the message that the Lord God was in control of the situation. Restoration was not to be the main thing, rather it was the understanding that the Lord God was a God who acts and as such was a God to be respected and obeyed. For Ezekiel and the people of Israel it was beginning to understand that a God who acts, despite the prevailing situation, brings hope for a better future still to be revealed. From our perspective it reminds us that with God there is always hope. He has a future for his people. It is a future that is not guided by circumstances but by his plan. The end is in His keeping. It also reminds us that God deals with us as a community. Together, in Ezekiel’s vision, the nation rises up, each to their allotted tasks no doubt, but they stand together. In that message, for all of us there is hope.

Prayer. Holy Lord, you are the great Creator and through you all things have come into being. You alone are the maker and shaper of our world and so to you alone we look for guidance and grace. You are the one who can direct our path to bring the fulfilment that you have planned and purposed for all people. So today we look to you, in the midst of trouble, when the whole world is shaken by events that have disrupted lives, and we ask you to lead and guide us. Forgive us for thinking that we can plot our own course; have mercy on us and by your grace lead us to a better understanding of how much we need to place our trust in you. Trusting in your wisdom, help us to look to the future with hope, knowing that as we wait on you, our guidance and direction will come. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reading. Acts 2:1-21. Pentecost is from the Greek word ‘Pentekostos’, which means ‘fifty’. The festival of Pentecost is celebrated on the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover week. “When the day of Pentecost had come”: Pentecost or the Festival of Weeks was a Jewish festival which commemorated the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. It also included a Day of First fruits for the wheat harvest; a celebration which signified that the whole harvest was God’s and came from God. It was a festival of celebration and anticipation of a harvest still to come. Luke as he describes the Pentecost scene, reminds us that they were all together in one place. We know that this group of Jesus followers included women and men and possibly children, for from the Gospel stories we have references of Jesus picking up a child and speaking to his disciples about the need to be a welcoming, rather than a self serving community. (Mark 9:33-37.) From Luke’s description it was the whole community which was filled with Holy Spirit. Christians often celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of the church. Now it is good to have celebrations and there is little harm in children enjoying church and waving balloons. However Luke’s description of  Pentecost demands that we say much more. Birthdays simply remind us that we are getting older! The birth of the church was not Pentecost but occurred after the resurrection of Jesus, spelt out in John 21:19ff Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

John is describing this as the birth of the church; founded on the apostles with Jesus as the head. Here the disciples are given authority to begin the ministry of the church. However Luke has described how Jesus commanded them to wait until the Spirit had come upon them before they began to proclaim the Kingdom of God. What Luke is describing is the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise that the church would receive power to be witnesses to all that his ministry had accomplished.  Pentecost then is the empowering of the church, readying it to proclaim the Good News to a waiting world.

Prayer. Almighty God, the giver of every good gift, we thank you that your Holy Spirit filled the gathered disciples of Jesus with courage and power, enabling them to speak out and tell of the wonderful works of God. We thank you for the witness of your church down through the ages, lifting high the Name that is above every name. Now in our time and situation may we also be filled with your holy power that we too may speak of your mighty works. Bless your church at work across the world: of many nations and of many languages. Together may we be bold to celebrate again the promise of the Holy Spirit, bringing life and light to every part. Forgive us for our many failures, our failure to see you at work, and our failure to trust in you alone. Grant us pardon and renew our resolve to honour and use the gifts that your Spirit has given to the church. This we ask, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak only what he hears.  John 16:13

Collect. Father of all light, you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. Let your Spirit come upon us in power, that, afire with your love, we may in all things proclaim the lordship of Christ, to the honour and praise of your great and glorious name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Risen Christ, you send the Spirit of God and bring us to freedom; may we be brought to all truth, and in truth find the joy of your presence with us now and for ever. Amen.

A Pentecost Prayer.

We thank you Holy Spirit of God, for life transformed and made new; for old thoughts giving way to new dreams; for old ways giving place to the new life in Christ; and for old sins being removed and a new creation emerging. Holy Spirit, ever remaking your people, come and claim us again for your self, that sealed with your sign we may know that we belong to Christ now and for ever. Amen. (Source known)

Lectionary for Easter 7

Lectionary for Easter 7

God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.        1 John 5:11

Reading. Psalm 1 At the very beginning of the Psalter the psalmist lays out the guiding principle for Israel’s life: Obeying the laws of the Lord will result in a life of fruitfulness. Failure to obey is to live a life without the fulfilment promised by God. The psalmist begins from the premise that the Lord is the Great Creator and therefore all the inhabitants of the world owe their allegiance to the one who brought them into being. Indeed the very final psalm echoes that understanding with the verse, “Let everything that breathes praise the LORD!” Psalm 150:6. With that in mind the psalmist does not see obedience to the law as a chore or an obligation but a normal response of praise for all that the Lord has done. The Creator knows how the creation works and so to obtain the best outcome it is both wise and prudent to follow the instructions that have helpfully been revealed. Any student, when learning to work with wood, quickly recognises that it is impossible to plane wood smooth by working against the grain. In the same way not to attend to the guidance the Lord gives is to run into many hiccups and hurdles. Following the guidance the Lord affords does not mean you will not encounter hiccups and hurdles, it means that when obstacles occur the Lord’s guidance will lead you through to a season of fruitfulness. We live in a era when the individual is most prominent but as we read this psalm we see that as each believer obeys and follows God’s instructions there comes a unity. This obedient unity will fulfil the plan and purpose that God has always had, to be sovereign over an obedient people. My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Ezekiel 37:27. NRSV.

Prayer. Loving Lord God, to you alone belongs all honour and glory. In you alone Lord, is found all truth and justice. May all our endeavours work towards establishing the truth of your rule among all people. May our words and deeds be guided by the knowledge that we are serving you, in your world. We pray for all those who throughout the world are working as missionaries; who through many different means are trying to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Keep all such safe from harm and may your protection shield them from the spiritual oppression of the evil one. Grant fruitfulness to all who work in your name, and the joy of knowing your power and presence. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. John 17:6-19. The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. This passage precedes the journey into the garden of Gethsemane. In this prayer Jesus draws his disciples into the very presence of God through his own intimate relationship; the disciples are embraced in covenantal relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through the selfless offering of Jesus on the cross. That is why John in his first letter can say, “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him”. 1 Jn 3:1. NRSV. Through this prayer Jesus has not only drawn his disciples into an amazing relationship with God but has also prayed for their protection as they minister in the world. Like the psalm we read above Jesus is making a clear distinction between those who follow God’s teaching and those who do not. It is true that Jesus was sent into the world not to condemn but to rescue, (John3:16-17.) However it follows from that statement that those in the world were in need of rescue and so those who follow Jesus and live trusting in God’s rescue are those who are the beneficiaries of Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. It is important to remember that the prayer is not exclusive but is indeed inclusive, in that all who believe in Jesus and follow in obedience are drawn into unity with God the Father. Once more we see that God is claiming back His world and through Jesus is offering a renewed and better life. It is because of Jesus’ Prayer that we can pray with confidence “in Jesus’ Name”. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” John 3:16–17. NRSV

Prayer. Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you, riches beyond imagination. Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we loving you above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen {Uniting in Worship}

Collect. O God, the inexhaustible fount of life, you accepted the offering of your Son, sacrificed for the salvation of the world. Consecrate us in that unity which is your Spirit’s gift, that we may abide always in your love and become witnesses of the resurrection. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or

God, holy Father, you gather us together in Christ’s name, and you send us out as people of good news to announce your word; give us courage, and strengthen us in your Spirit; we ask this for the sake of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.

Lectionary for Easter 6

Lectionary for Easter 6

You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit,fruit that will last.      John 15:16

Reading. Acts 10:44-48. As we approach the season of Pentecost this section of the book of Acts reminds us how far reaching was the message of God’s Salvation. The chapter begins with a vision that came to Cornelius a gentile centurion living is Caesarea which was a harbour town built by Herod the Great. Cornelius is instructed to send for Peter who was preaching in Joppa, another harbour town further along the coast. Peter, through a vision, is challenged to receive the message from Cornelius. To preach to a gentile was very much against Peter’s inclinations. Therefore this short passage recorded by Luke has great significance both for the early church and for us. Peter was tasked with proclaiming the gospel to non Jews. More importantly as the gentiles accepted the teaching Peter was presenting, the Holy Spirit came upon the converts and gave them all the gifts and signs that had come upon the Jews when they first believed in the salvation that Jesus had won. This crossing of inter-racial boundaries was hugely important as a statement that the good news was available to all people. After the Holy Spirit had shown God’s acceptance, Peter immediately baptises the new Christians. Luke is reminding his readers that the church is growing rapidly, but more than that, the church is crossing boundaries that would have been unheard of in the ancient world. For us, we are used to accepting people as Christians from different races. Maybe the message is to look again at our own prejudices and ask ourselves if they would stand up to the scrutiny of God. Perhaps the key is to be found in the statement that Peter heard in his vision; “The voice said to him again, a second time, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane”” Acts 10:15. Through the Holy Spirit God is preparing a true people of God and everyone who accepts him is included. Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Joel 2:28 NRSV.

Prayer. Holy Lord, we thank you for the many blessings that you pour out upon your people. We thank you for the grace that surrounds us day by day. New every morning is your love for all your people, Great is your faithfulness. Guide and protect us as we seek to obey your will for us. By your grace you have accepted us in Jesus’ Name; may we be blessed through the presence of your Holy Spirit to look forward with hope to the coming of our Lord in power and glory. Grant us the courage to persevere until the end when the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. Amen

Reading. John 15:9-17 To love one another is a command that is key to the Christian life. In the previous few verses John has reminded us that there are two kinds of people, those in the vine and those who are not in the vine. Those who are in the vine are to bear “much fruit”. In order to do this we are to love as Jesus himself loved. Jesus loves us even when we do not deserve that love and so we are to love even those who do not deserve to be loved! Even as I write that sentence I recognise that there is great arrogance in presuming that there are people who do not deserve to be loved for surely that is the point. When dealing with people who are in the vine my opinion does not count, it is insignificant. To love as God loves is to see everyone as worthy of being loved. No ifs, no buts! In order to love as we are commanded a number of things need to be in place. Firstly we need to be in the vine. Our lives need to have been changed, as the psalmist pleaded,”    Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me” Psalm 51:10. NRSV. Then we need to recognise how far reaching the forgiveness is that God has afforded each of us. “Come now, let us argue it out, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Isaiah 1:18. NRSV. Finally we need to recognise that everyone in the vine has been offered that forgiving grace and is therefore equal with us in relationship to God: Perhaps more than ever before we live in a world which is looking for a truly loving community. A loving community is a welcoming community and a welcoming community has a great attraction. It is by loving each other that we bear much fruit.

Jesus said: ‘You will receive power  when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will bear witness for me to the ends of the earth.’  Acts 1:8

Prayer. Blessed are you the God of all creation, by your grace you have called us into fellowship with one another in your church. Forgive us for our arrogance and our disunity. Heal those divisions which continue to hold us apart. Draw us closer to yourself and remind us again and again of the great sacrifice that has healed each division. We praise you for bringing us unity and freedom from sin. Forgive us when we turn aside and are disobedient to your call on us to love one another, even as you have loved us. Once more by your grace may we offer ourselves in humble surrender to your command and as faithful disciples honour you with our obedience. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Collect. Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you riches beyond imagination. Pour into our hearts such love toward you, that we, loving you above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Jesus, Lord and friend, you have given us the gift of a new commandment; and as you gave yourself for us, you fulfilled it. Help us so to love one another, that your life may grow among us now and for ever. Amen.

We are now in the time when the church will celebrate Ascension.

Reading. Acts 1:1-11. This opening passage from Luke’s story of the early church reminds us that after forty days of teaching Jesus’ ascension took place. The creed reminds us that, “He ascended into heaven” Even as we say that phrase we need to remember that the word “heaven”, did not have the same meaning the word has for us today. For the early church the word heaven was the place where God was seated. So our creed is reminding us that Jesus ascended to be with God. Luke’s description is that a cloud hid Jesus from their sight. It was not a cloud that lifted him up, the cloud simply hid him from sight. The Ascension is the great climax to the Easter story for it places Jesus in the position of power, at God’s right hand. In that place of power Jesus is now King of kings and Lord of lords. In his crucifixion he was charged with presuming to be king of the Jews by the High Priests and Pontius Pilate. Through his resurrection Jesus is vindicated as being the King that God ordained. Now seated with God he holds the reins of power and will continue to reign until all God’s enemies are subdued and the Day of the Lord will come. “The LORD says to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” Psalm 110:1. NRSV. Despite the brokenness of our world we live in hope looking forward to that time when the reign of Jesus will once again be revealed

Prayer. Let us pray.  (to our Father who has raised us to new life in Christ): Eternal Father, reaching from end to end of the universe and ordering all things with your mighty arm: for you, time is the unfolding of truth that already is, the enveiling of beauty that is yet to be. Your Son has saved us in history by rising from the dead, so that, transcending time, he might free us from death. May his presence among us lead to the vision of unlimited truth and unfold the beauty of your love; through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Uniting in Worship)

Lectionary for Easter 5

Lectionary for Easter 5

Beloved, let us love one another, because the source of love is God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7

Reading. Acts 8:26-40 Philip was one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to fulfil the growing pastoral needs of the community of believers. However just like Stephen, Philip was gifted to do more than serve on tables. In this passage Philip finds himself on a back road at the direction of a godly messenger and speaks to an Ethiopian eunuch who is reading the prophet Isaiah. Phillip begins to help the Ethiopian to understand more about Jesus by explaining the scripture from Isaiah that he was reading. Through the message that is unfolded the Ethiopian comes to faith and immediately desires to be baptised. Once baptism has taken place Philip is snatched away and finds himself in Azotus which is a city belonging to the Philistines while the Ethiopian resumes his journey.

In his Gospel Luke recorded all that Jesus taught until the day of his ascension, now in this his second book, Luke is recording the activities of the early church. In our passage for today Luke is recording how quickly the Good News was spreading not only geographically but also across ethnic lines. From the names of the seven new deacons set aside by the apostles it seems that they were Hellenistic Jews. Then as the Ethiopian eunuch accepts the faith the message of Jesus is carried by him into Africa. While it was common for a eunuch to be an important servant to royalty, a eunuch as such would not be allowed to worship in the temple. By recording that this eunuch becomes a baptised believer, Luke is reminding us of the diversity and embracing inclusiveness of the Christian faith. At the stories end we find Philip in a Gentile country and we might surmise he is more than a little surprised, still he continues preaching the Good New until he arrives in Caesarea: a place perhaps where he remained, for in Acts 21 we read that he is in Caesarea with his four daughters who are prophetesses. Philip is therefore recognised as a remarkable man but Luke also is reminding us of the rapid and widespread growth of the Christian faith.

Prayer. Heavenly father, your son our Lord Jesus Christ came not to be served but to serve. Bless all who follow in his steps and give themselves in the service of others. Grant us courage and compassion that we too may exercise wisdom and patient understanding and serve in His way. May our ministry both corporate and as individuals be a light and a comfort to those who are friendless and in need. Through your Holy Spirit you have equipped us to serve you efficiently. Grant Lord that the gifts and grace we have received will be used effectively as we seek to serve our family, friends and neighbours. Through the proclamation of your good news may many be brought into the peace and blessing of your eternal kingdom. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading. John 15:1-8. We had a lecturer in college who was a great scholar of John’s gospel and theology. One of his more rememberable sayings was, “Being a Christian is like being pregnant! You either are or you’re not” This passage highlights that reality. Either you are in the vine or you are not in the vine. It is not simply that “the vine” is vigorous or fertile; Jesus is The Vine. There is no substitute or alternative. However, while there is a clear line of demarcation the good news is that once in the vine, the vine provides everything you need. Being in the vine on the one hand means relying on Jesus for everything. Then, by relying on Jesus for everything we are fruitful. In the vine there is nothing that can be added, no additions to make the vine more effective or productive. Just as the branches rely fully on the vine, so we rely on Jesus for everything. From a believers point of view this is good news to which we must attend. Wanting to be fruitful and effective as a Christian is quite normal and this passage reminds us of how that fruitfulness can be achieved: We rely on Him.

Once we begin to rely on him we can also expect some pruning in order to increase fruitfulness. This tells us that relying on Jesus is not all smooth sailing, for part of relying on Jesus is learning to trust in all circumstances. One of the common practises on the farm when an implement broke was to remove the part and take it back to the workshop to weld it back together. Once it was repaired and before you left the workshop you would give it a decent smack with a sledge hammer. The repair had to be effective and so testing was prudent.  It is in the testing times of life that we understand best how the presence of Jesus strengthens us. By being tested we recognise our needs and grow stronger by relying more on Jesus: attached to the vine we grow!

Prayer. Mighty God, in sunlight and in shadows you stand among us for your promise is that you will never leave us or forsake us. We thank you that in your presence we are strengthened and by your power we can face life, and still continue to thrive. Teach us more and more to trust in you alone and by your grace grant that we may prove to be worthy of the name that is above all names: By serving you may we serve each other and so be a true reflection in the world of the salvation you came to bring. As we serve in Jesus name, grant that we will be faithful and fruitful; now and always. Amen

Collect. Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life: grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

or

Loving Father, you guide us in right ways; Jesus Christ, you are our true  home; Spirit of God, in you are the depths of life. Holy God, three yet one, may we live in union with you, and bear the fruit of love and faith now and for ever. Amen.